Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised allows this motion to be used if the occupant of the chair is not the regular presiding officer of a society, in which case it is a question of privilege affecting the assembly.
[12][13] On March 19, 1910, Republican Speaker Joe Cannon, who had just faced a revolt by his caucus on a resolution weakening the Speaker's power over the Rules Committee, dared his opponents to try to vacate his Speakership; Democratic representative Albert Burleson immediately[14]: 3436–3439 proceeded to introduce a privileged resolution to that effect, which the House ended up rejecting by a majority of 37 (155 Ayes to 192 Noes).
Since the resolution was introduced through regular channels rather than on the floor, it was non-privileged[16][17] and was referred to the Rules Committee instead of being subject to an immediate vote by the full House.
[17] While the resolution was never debated nor voted upon, and only gained four co-sponsors (Louie Gohmert, Walter Jones Jr., Thomas Massie and Ted Yoho), it nonetheless contributed to Boehner's decision to resign in September 2015.
[21] Tom Cole, chairman of the Republican-led House Rules Committee, moved to table (kill) the resolution, but his motion was rejected by a vote of 208–218.
[29] In July 1997, four Republican Representatives considered using the motion to vacate against Speaker Newt Gingrich after he engaged in an ethics violation in January 1997.